What is the LoonWatch Speakers’ Bureau?

The Speakers’ Bureau is an important part of our outreach program in Wisconsin. Members volunteer to give customized presentations about loons and related issues to lake associations, schools, clubs and the general public. As trained speakers, volunteers play an important role in loon conservation by informing community members about ways to protect loons and their habitats. If you enjoy talking to people, would like to share your knowledge about loons, and wish to assist our efforts to protect loons and their habitats, then the Speakers’ Bureau is for you!

What do LoonWatch Speakers’ Bureau Volunteers Need to Know?

Volunteers need to know about loons and issues relating to their aquatic habitats. We provide volunteers with the latest information about loons so that they are prepared to answer questions that arise. It is up to you, however, to learn all you can from the information we give you, as well as on your own. You can find many books and articles about loons in your local library or bookstores. Volunteers also need to understand how LoonWatch relates to the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and Northland College. As a Speakers’ Bureau member, you will be representing the LoonWatch program at your presentations.

How does the Speakers’ Bureau work?

Volunteers participate in a Speakers’ Bureau Training Workshop which includes suggestions on presentation styles and techniques, and a demonstration of various education resources available for volunteers to use. In addition, each participant receives a training binder that includes some of the recent and informative publications about common loons. Training workshops are generally held in two northern Wisconsin locations during June each year. After the training, volunteers will spend some time reading and learning all they can about the loons and their aquatic habitats. When they feel prepared to give a presentation and answer questions, we will attempt to pair up volunteers within their communities so they can work as education teams. Ideally, we will pair up new volunteers with more experienced Speakers’ Bureau members for at least the first presentation. Volunteers will have access to the LoonWatch slide program, loon costume, fact sheets, and other education materials for their presentations. Volunteers may promote their services on their own by contacting teachers and organization leaders. In addition, requests for programs received at the LoonWatch office will be referred to Speakers’ Bureau members located in the vicinity of the requested presentation. The number of programs provided by the volunteer is determined by that individual’s personal schedule.
 
Contact LoonWatch if you would like to become a volunteer speaker or to request a presentation for your class, lake association, or organization:  loonwatch@northland.edu, or (715) 682-1223.